Frequently
Asked Questions

This section covers some of the most-asked questions we receive from our patients. We’re always here to help so if you can’t find what you’re looking for please reach out directly.

Call us at 1 (604) 420-3937

Ocular

If you have a full ocular prosthesis, yes, you can sleep with it. If you have a scleral shell, you will have to remove it nightly and reinsert it in the morning.

Thankfully, there is no pain involved with the process of getting an ocular prosthesis made. There will be a lot of work done on the socket and some odd sensations, but no pain. We do our best to explain all steps of the process so you understand exactly what we are doing during the appointments.

No! The prosthesis should be removed every one or two months and cleaned to remove any protein deposits that may have accumulated on its surface. If you have been fitted with a scleral shell, this should be removed each night. See Care & Hygiene for more information.

Generally, most adult patients will require their ocular prosthesis to be replaced every five to seven years, with the exception of the initial prosthesis. During the first one to two years following the surgical removal of your eye, the socket settles the most, resulting in socket changes.  This may necessitate a new prosthesis to optimize the fit, comfort and cosmetic result. Children require a replacement ocular prosthesis approximately every two to three years due to their rapid growth.

After the initial fitting of the prosthesis, you will need at least one appointment a month later to assess that the fit is still accurate.

It is also necessary for you to return to see your ocularist on an annual basis to have the prosthesis repolished. This enables the protein deposits to be removed and restores its lustre/shine. This appointment also provides an opportunity to make any adjustments, provide you with the best possible appearance and comfort, and evaluate the health and condition of your socket.

Over a period of time, changes take place in the socket shape, creating a poorly fitting prosthesis. Therefore, the position of the eyelids may appear different from the ‘good’ side. There may also be reduced movement to the prosthesis. An older prosthesis may absorb secretions from the socket and cause continual discharge and irritation.

Some types of implants are porous. These materials allow for the in-growth of tissue into the implant. Occasionally, a small ‘peg’ is fitted into the implant by the ophthalmologist, which can provide more significant movement to the prosthesis. Due to numerous complications that arose, this pegging procedure is rarely performed nowadays.

Anaplastology

All our facial prosthetics are made of medical-grade silicone to allow lifelikeness, flexibility and comfort. For an orbital, it is a two-part prosthesis where the eye is made out of hard acrylic, and the eyelids are made of soft silicone.

There are three ways to retain facial prostheses: medical adhesive, magnets and gold bar and clip.

Thankfully, there is no pain involved with the process of getting a facial prosthesis made. There will be a lot of work done on the surgical site and some odd sensations, but no pain. We do our best to explain all process steps so you understand exactly what we do during the appointments.

No, it is recommended to remove your prosthesis nightly to allow for airflow around the fitting surface.

Yes, you can apply makeup to the silicone and gently wash to remove. If the base colour of the prosthesis is too light (during non summer months) then you can get your prosthesis tinted by us. Please call us for more information regarding re-tinting. Please note, there is a cost to this service.

Generally, most adult patients will require their facial prosthesis to be replaced every three to five years. Typically, the material along the edges of the prosthesis will begin to show signs of age first. Sometimes, the initial prosthesis doesn’t last as long due to the surgical site settling and the healing of the anatomy. This may necessitate a new prosthesis to optimize the fit, comfort and cosmetic result.